#GettingToKnowUs: Sayurie Naidoo

Sayurie Naidoo is the star of #GettingtoKnowUs, this week!

Find out more about our Director of Communications and Outreach, who also happens to be one of our longest standing board members!

What’s your role on the TSAFF board?

I manage our community partnerships and provide communications support.

How long have you been with TSAFF?

Since the very beginning, in 2014!

What’s one thing that stands out as a highlight from the past few years?

South African comedian Nik Rabinowitz kicked off our inaugural festival with a comedy show. He’s a really funny guy, and it was a great way to set the tone with a few South African jokes before the festival began.

What’s the most challenging part of running a charity film festival?

It’s a lot of work! TSAFF is a 100% volunteer-run event, so all the work we do for the festival is in addition to having full-time jobs.

What’s the most rewarding thing about being part of TSAFF?

Raising money for underprivileged kids in South Africa and Canada. Helping someone get a better education, which can ultimately change their life, is priceless.

How did you get involved with TSAFF?

My cousin is on the board of directors for Education Without Borders (EWB) and his wife is a co-chair of the Vancouver South African Film Festival. In late 2013 they mentioned that EWB was looking to establish a festival in Toronto, and I jumped at the opportunity to get involved.

What’s your day job?

I work in public relations for a healthcare organization in Toronto.

What do you do in your spare time? Any interesting hobbies?

I’m an explorer at heart. I love to travel, go for hikes, and even just roam around the city looking for new things to see, do and eat. I’m also a huge music fan so you may find me at a concert (or two or three) from time to time.

What is your one wish for a future TSAFF event?

To screen Trevor Noah’s upcoming Born a Crime film! Trevor is such a great ambassador of South Africa and admired by so many. His autobiography also hit home with so many people. My dad even read it (and he is not a reader)! So many South African expats identify with parts of his story, so I think it would be an amazing experience to screen the film at our festival – especially if he attends as well!